We all know that exercise is beneficial for your heart, your waistline and your general well being. But did you know that exercise can also have health benefits for your skin?

When your overall health is good, it is reflected in your skin, so watching your diet and exercising are both important.

Getting a healthy glow

When you exercise, your body’s blood circulation increases. This helps give you that

healthy glow as it boosts detoxification and cell renewal. Studies conducted at McMasters University in Canada found that skin cells of people who exercised were actually rebuilding and revitalizing themselves. A study of women between the age of 20 and 84, both active and sedentary, showed a marked difference in skin health between those who exercised and those who didn’t. In another study, when skin samples were examined under a microscope, the researchers found that both men and women over the age of 40 who exercised frequently had skin health similar to that of people in their 30s.

Less stress = clearer skin

Some skin afflictions, such as acne and eczema, can be exacerbated by stress; the sebaceous glands respond to stressful situations by producing oils that can irritate your skin causing pimples or rashes. If you suffer from these skin conditions and experience a lot of stress, try adding yoga and other stress-reducing exercises to your workout routine.

Skincare during exercise

Don’t work out with make up on, and be sure to thoroughly clean your skin after exercising to make sure it is free of toxins and oils. If an outdoor workout is more your style, make sure you use sunscreen to protect your skin – you want a healthy glow from exercise, not a red, raw sunburn! Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or above and apply it 15 minutes before you head outside. Water resistance is an important factor during a hot, sweaty workout, so be sure your sunscreen offers this protection. Be sure to follow the directions on your sunscreen’s label and reapply every two hours if you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time. If you are a swimmer, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen after you do your laps.

If you don’t currently have an exercise routine, there’s no better time to start than now. Walking is a great way to start if you’ve been sedentary for a while – even just starting with 10 minutes a day can make a difference and you can work up to longer walks as you become more fit. Your skin will thank you!